Respiratory Therapist

PACS

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist performs respiratory and pulmonary therapy, management, rehabilitation, diagnostic evaluation, and direct care for patients with deficiencies and abnormalities affecting the pulmonary system. The role follows facility policies and procedures and receives work schedules and instructions from a supervisor. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The employee is responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality and protected health information, following safety and infection-control procedures, communicating patient status changes to the appropriate care team members, and carrying out assigned administrative responsibilities. Duties may be changed or reassigned by management, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited school, at minimum.
Graduate of a respiratory care program.
Current Respiratory Care Practitioner verification license for the state of practice, if applicable.
Current CPR/BLS and ACLS certifications.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals, and to present information and respond to questions effectively.
Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems, handle concrete variables in situations with limited standardization, and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
Knowledge of office machines and equipment.
Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds; use a desktop or laptop computer for prolonged periods; sit, stand, walk, talk, read, and hear; and use office equipment frequently.
May be required to assist with resident evacuation during emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science degree in a healthcare field.
At least one year of respiratory experience in an acute and/or subacute unit.

Responsibilities

Follow the supervisor’s schedule and instructions and comply with facility policies and procedures.
Conduct focused interviews to identify patients’ specific needs.
Assess signs and symptoms that indicate physiologic or psychosocial changes in a patient’s condition.
Collect, analyze, and interpret information from healthcare team members and document actual or potential diagnoses.
Plan care outcomes for assigned patients.
Perform interventions according to identified priorities, plans of care, facility policies, and patient-care outcome standards.
Follow facility emergency, safety, and infection-control procedures.
Promote and participate in activities that facilitate good interpersonal communication.
Report changes in a patient’s respiratory status to the Director or Supervisor of Respiratory Care Services, the nurse primarily responsible for the patient, and the physician as needed and before leaving the facility.
Maintain a good working rapport with interdepartmental personnel and other facility departments.
Protect the confidentiality of resident-care information, including protected health information, and promptly report suspected or known unauthorized disclosure.
Assume the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability associated with assigned duties.